Email this to a Friend

Send Online Condolences

NEGRINI, James L., age 78

Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Evergreen Funeral Home with David Lato officiating

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening as well as one hour prior to service on Saturday at the funeral home

A private family interment will be held at a later date

James L. Negrini, 78, died peacefully surrounded by the love of his family at Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire on Saturday, February 10, 2018.

Jim was born on March 28, 1939 to the late Leo and Adele (Finco) Negrini in Cleveland, Ohio. On June 30, 1962, he married Sharon Kapets at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood, MI, who passed on February 4, 2015.

His most cherished times not only included coaching, but spending time with his family and friends, cooking, listening to music, watching sporting events, and shopping online. He was immensely proud of his three daughters and five grandchildren, and was always deeply supportive, encouraging, and wise. Weekend dinners with family and friends were always a cherished event and usually included great food, singing, and dancing. His sense of humor flowed naturally, and his drive and commitment was inspirational.

With over 45 years dedicated to youth and sports, he had an incredible impact on countless lives. A graduate and Hall of Fame member of Hurley High School in Hurley, WI, he has helped youth achieve success through sports and education since he earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of WI-Superior. A three-sport athlete, his dedication and passion for coaching focused on strong fundamentals, instilling discipline and motivating excellence in his players. He was also a member of the WBCA, UW-Superior, and Regis High School Halls of Fame, involved with the WI AAU Program, the Eau Claire YMCA, Special Olympics, and was named CWCC Coach of the Year five times.

James is survived by his daughters, Julie Hall (Jeffrey Lebrick), Gina (Lonnie) Krueger, and Laura Negrini-Speight (the late Michael Speight); grandchildren, Bradon, Ryan, Delaney, Leo, and Adelia; brother-in-law, Gene (Candace) Kapets; sisters-in-law, Renee (David) Lato and Mary Beth Kapets; many other family members and good friends.

Honoring a life with a meaningful service is an important step in the grief process and is a gift to their family and friends —a gift of memories and a gift of healing